Growth and pigmentation development efficiencies in fantail guppy, Poecilia reticulata fed with commercially available feeds.

The commercial value of ornamental fish is primarily dependent on their external body colouration. Fade coloured fish fails to attract the interest of the buyers. In the present study an experiment were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of four types of feed (Living tubifex, Dried tubifex, Dried Daphnia and Prepared granulated feed) in the rearing of fantail guppy. Carotenoid content of the feed used, caudal fin and muscle of the fish and specific growth rate (SGR) of the fish were also analyzed. Results showed that the fantail guppy utilized the live organisms more efficiently than the artificial diet. Results are also encouraging because the fantail guppy became more brightly colourful which fed the carotenoid rich feed in comparison to the types of feed. Living tubifex was proved to be the best feed for guppy for increasing the growth and colouration.